Berlin has unveiled a new open source strategy to curb dependence on proprietary software, framing digital sovereignty and geopolitical resilience—not cost—as the primary drivers.
Berlin has formally announced a new open-source strategy aimed at reducing long-standing dependence on proprietary software vendors such as Microsoft and global hyperscalers, reframing software choices as a matter of state security and sovereignty.
In the newly published strategy document, the Berlin state government explicitly links vendor lock-in to geopolitical risk, stating: “In view of growing geopolitical tensions, it is of enormous importance in the context of technological interdependencies and dependencies to rethink the existing technology and infrastructure strategy for public administration.”
The administration openly acknowledges its deep reliance on proprietary systems, admitting: “This development led to a strong dependency on these solutions and their technology providers being established in the IT of public administration.” Rising licence costs, inflexible contracts, and reduced digital autonomy are cited as structural consequences. Berlin also signals resistance to cloud pressure, saying it no longer wants to submit to “vendor-imposed pressure” tied to “almost non-negotiable licence terms.”
Open source is positioned as the strategic alternative, offering transparency, auditability, and independence from single vendors. The strategy adopts the “Public Money, Public Code” principle, committing to release publicly funded administrative software under free licences.
However, execution remains cautious. Berlin targets 70% open-source software at workplaces by 2032 and currently proposes only prototypes, including an OpenDesk Workbench on a Linux workstation and an “open source emergency workstation” to ensure crisis-time operability. This caution contrasts with Schleswig-Holstein’s large-scale Linux and LibreOffice migration.
Implementation is explicitly conditional: “Implementation is subject to financing and will be carried out within the scope of available funds.” With only around 12% of systems migrated to Windows 11 so far, the strategy highlights a widening gap between digital ambition and administrative reality.
